III. Paper and format

Joannes Sambucus. Emblemata. – Anvers: Christophe Plantin, 1564 and 1566 editions. In-8.

Exonerated after an accusation of heresy that had forced him into exile in Paris, Christophe Plantin revived his printing activities in Antwerp in November 1563. The firm entered into a phase of expansion, and at the same time, he worked to increase profits, establish his reputation and his savoir faire, and attract new patrons who would play the role of investors or who would facilitate obtaining privileges.

   Emblem books played a decisive role in the valorisation of this strategy. Thus, the original edition of Emblemata by Sambucus (1564) received better quality paper, two times more expensive than that of the following edition (1566). He counted on this publication to obtain imperial financial support, new privileges and free market access to distribute his books in Vienna. Sambucus nurtured similar ambitions because he coveted the position of librarian at the imperial library in Vienna.

Mazarine: 8° 44124 (1564)

Cultura Fonds: LC 399 (1566)

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